The bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was set up by Government of India on March 1, 2002 and it falls under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The Bureau has been established with the mission of assistance in the development of strategies and policies falling under the framework of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001[1], with a focus on market principles and self-regulation.
Role of Bureau of Energy Efficiency
BEE undertakes the task of coordination with various organisations, agencies and customers by making an efficient utilisation of infrastructure and resources towards achieving the functions assigned to it under Energy Conservation Act.
The following are among the various functions assigned to Bureau of Energy Efficiency:
- Creating awareness and proper dissemination of information on energy efficiency and conservation;
- Organising the training for the efficient use of energy and its conservation, to the personnel associated.
- Providing consulting services in the field of energy conservation.
- Research and Development on Energy Conservation.
- Development of testing and certification procedures and promotion of testing facilities ;
- Formulation and facilitation of pilot projects and demonstrating techniques;
- Promotion of the use of energy efficient processes, equipment, devices and systems in general domain;
- Initiating the steps for encouragement of preferential treatment for making use of energy efficient equipment or appliances;
- Promotion of innovative financing for energy efficient projects;
- Providing financial assistance to institutions and agencies for promoting the efficient use of energy and its conservation;
- Preparation of educational curriculum on efficient use of energy and its conservation;
- Implementation of international co-operation programmes in respect of efficient use of energy and its conservation;
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency have been established with effect from 1st March, 2002 vide SO 269(E), dated 1st March, 2002. It is a body corporate by the nature of its existence and is having perpetual succession and a common seal, with following powers subject to the provisions of this Act:
- to acquire, hold and dispose of movable and immovable property, and
- to contract, in its own name , also sue or be sued.
The head office of the Bureau is being located at New Delhi.
Management Committee of BEE
The Governing Council engaged in the superintendence, direction and management of the affairs of the Bureau, shall be consisting of not less than 20 (twenty) but not exceeding 26 (twenty six) members which shall be appointed by the Central Government. The Governing Council may exercise all powers and do all acts and things which may be done to achieve the goals and purpose of the Bureau.
Meetings of Governing Council
The meetings of the Governing Council shall be presided over by the Chairperson. In case the Chairperson is absent, any other member shall be chosen by the members present from amongst themselves at the meeting who shall preside over the meeting. All the questions coming up before any meeting of the Governing Council shall be decided upon by a majority vote of the members present and voting, and in the event of equal votes, the Chairperson or in his absence, the person presiding as decided above, shall have a second or casting vote.
Director-General of Bureau
The Central Government has appointed a Director-General from amongst persons of ability and standing, who are having the adequate knowledge and experience in dealing with the matters relating to energy production and consumption, supply management and energy conservation, standardisation and efficient use of energy and its conservation.
The ruling term of office of the Director-General is up to five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier. The Director-General shall be the Chief Executive Authority of the Bureau.
Powers of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency
- The Bureau shall recommend to the Central Government the underlying norms for processes and energy consumption standards required.
- The Bureau shall also recommend to the Central Government about issuing of the energy saving certificates.
- The Bureau shall also recommend about the labelling pattern of various appliances, showing their energy usage and conservation data.
- It shall also recommend for filtering any user or any particular class of users under the Act.
- Necessary steps shall be taken by the Bureau for creating the awareness and systematic dissemination of the information.
- Conduct of examination for capacity building and development of services in the field of energy conservation including valid certification of energy managers and energy auditors.
- Implementation of international programmes for Co-operation in relationwith the efficient use of energy and its conservation as may be assigned to it time to time by the Central Government;
- Any other function as may be prescribed.
Obligations of the Bureau
Budget
The Bureau shall prepare, in such manner and at a particular time in each financial year, as may be prescribed, its budget for the next financial year, showing its estimated receipts and expenditure and shall forward the same to the Central Government.
Annual report
The Bureau shall prepare, in such manner and at such particular time in each financial year as may be prescribed, its annual report, giving a full account of all its activities during the previous financial year, and shall submit a copy of the same thereof to the Central Government.
Annual report to be presented before Parliament
The Annual Report shall be laid before the Parliament from time to time as may be caused by the Central Government.
Authentication of orders and decisions of Bureau
All proposed orders and implying decisions of the Bureau shall be authenticated by the signature of the Director-General or any other officer of the Bureau authorised by the Director- General in this behalf.
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